Microbial cell membrane and biofilm

Microbial cell membranes and biofilms are not a single molecular target but refer to structural and functional assemblies produced by microorganisms. The microbial cell membrane is a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that controls the passage of molecules and interacts with the external environment. A biofilm is a structured community of microbial cells encased within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix adhered to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Biofilm formation involves initial adhesion, microcolony formation, maturation, and eventual dispersion of cells[1][2][3][5]. The EPS matrix contains polysaccharides, proteins (such as enzymes and fimbriae), extracellular DNA and lipids, providing cohesion, protection, and a medium for cell–cell communication and horizontal gene transfer[1][2][3][4]. Biofilms protect microorganisms from host immune responses, dehydration, oxidizing agents, and antimicrobial drugs, making infections notoriously difficult to treat and leading to chronic diseases and medical device failures[1][2][5][6]. Drugs targeting biofilms often work by disrupting the matrix, inhibiting EPS synthesis or communication pathways essential for biofilm integrity. The term is broad, referring to a microbial community attribute, not a precise protein, receptor, or enzyme, which lowers its specificity as a molecular therapeutic target.

Other names

Microbial membraneBacterial membraneMicrobial biofilmBacterial biofilm

Disruption of biofilm matrix (enzymatic degradation, chelation); Increased membrane permeability or disruption; Inhibition of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) synthesis; Inhibition of cell–cell communication (quorum sensing inhibitors)